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      Ligue 1 season start in jeopardy with EIGHT clubs recording positive coronavirus cases as Monaco become latest to be hit

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      THE start of the new Ligue 1 season is in jeopardy with EIGHT clubs recording positive coronavirus tests.
      According to Get French Football News, Monaco confirmed a first-team player had caught the deadly bug, meaning almost half of France’s 20 top-flight teams have been affected.

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      Monaco became the latest French side to confirm a positive case of coronavirus within their campCredit: Reuters
      The new Ligue 1 campaign was due to begin this weekend with Marseille taking on Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux hosting Nantes tonight.
      But the former game was postponed back to the middle of September with four members of the playing and coaching staff at Marseille testing positive.
      However, the French league told clubs last week its protocol for dealing with coronavirus meant more than three positive cases at a club was likely to lead to a postponement.
      That could therefore mean matches involving clubs with a singular positive result could still go ahead.

      Two games are due to take place on Saturday, while five ties are planned for Sunday.
      Sunday’s fixtures include Monaco’s curtain-raiser at home to Reims, which was scheduled to kick off at noon in the principality’s Stade Louis II.
      Clubs are preparing to welcome a limited number of fans into grounds for the matches with strict rules in place.
      Supporters must stick to their seat location, keep socially distanced to 1.5m and everyone aged 11 or older must wear a mask at all times.

      Breaking | AS Monaco announce that they have a 1st team player who has tested positive for COVID-19.Active cases in 8 Ligue 1 clubs’ playing squads now.
      — Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 21, 2020

      PSG and Lyon will not be involved this weekend due to their involvement in the Champions League semi-finals.
      Thomas Tuchel’s side beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to reach Sunday’s final in Lisbon.

      That came after they were awarded the Ligue 1 2019/20 title in April when the season was cut short by the pandemic.
      Instead of resuming the campaign behind closed doors like in Germany, England, Spain and Italy, the French top flight opted to use a points-per-game basis to determine the standings instead.
      Reports this week revealed the Premier League has been hit by 14 new cases of coronavirus from 12 clubs since teams returned to pre-season training.

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      The new Ligue 1 season was due to start this weekend but now eight clubs have had positive coronavirus tests Credit: EPA More

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      Prem hit by 14 mystery Covid cases at 12 pre-season camps with clubs fearing holiday parties will lead to spike in cases

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      THE Premier League has been hit by 14 new cases of coronavirus since teams returned to training, reports claim.
      According to The Telegraph, the new cases have been recorded at 12 clubs who began preparations for next season last weekend.

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      Tottenham’s Dele Alli with Leicester midfielder James Maddison – neither of whom have tested positive for Covid-19

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      Erik Lamela, who hasn’t tested positive for Covid-19, of Tottenham snapped enjoying his holiday

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      Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish, who hasn’t tested positive for Covid-19, pictured on vacation
      The figures are unofficial, but the Premier League are only expected to regularly publish test results when the new season starts on September 12.
      Club officials are said to be concerned cases could continue to rise after players were pictured partying on holiday with pals from rival clubs over the past few weeks.
      Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was snapped with James Maddison and Jack Grealish in Ibiza.
      And Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice holidayed with life-long friend Mason Mount on the Greek island of Mykonos, where Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic were also pictured.

      Blues midfielder Danny Drinkwater also hung out with his former Leicester colleague Ben Chilwell.
      There is no suggestion any of these players have tested positive for coronavirus, or that they contributed to the spread of Covid-19 within the Premier League.

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      Dele Alli and Jack Grealish meet up on holiday in IbizaCredit: BackGrid

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      Danny Drinkwater hung out with his former Leicester colleague Ben Chilwell – neither of whom have tested positive for Covid-19Credit: Instagram @dannydrinkwater

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      Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori in Greece – neither of whom have tested positive for Covid-19
      League champions Liverpool recorded one positive case this week after flying to Austria to being their pre-season.
      Manchester United, City, Chelsea and Wolves have not yet returned following their European fixtures this month.

      But Tottenham, Everton, Southampton, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Newcastle, Sheffield United and newly-promoted Leeds have all begun training again.
      West Brom – returning to the top flight – and Burnley confirmed they will be back on Thursday, while it is uncertain when Aston Villa and Brighton will follow.
      Arsenal and Fulham have enjoyed extended breaks after their involvement in the FA Cup and play-off finals.
      After the Premier League restarted in June, players and staff members were following strict coronavirus guidelines and tested twice a week.

      But they have since been released by clubs to enjoy time off during the short gap until the new term gets underway.
      All top-flight clubs will undergo testing in the next few days and anyone to have tested positive will have to self-isolate for at least seven days.
      Players are expected to be tested only once a week when the new season starts.

      David Brooks enjoys the company of fellow Bournemouth players as he works out in training More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo spent quarantine at Madeira villa with rooftop pool and ocean view as coronavirus hit Juventus squad

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO holed up in a luxury villa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean during the coronavirus lockdown.
      The star’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez offered glimpses of the stunning Madeira hideaway where they are sat out the coronavirus pandemic.

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      Ronaldo’s amazing apartment in Madeira has a rooftop poolCredit: Instagram @georginagio

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      Ocean views can be seen through the windows as he waits out the coronavirusCredit: Instagram @georginagio

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      Ronaldo was with his two sisters and brother after his mother Dolores Aveiro recently suffered a strokeCredit: Instagram @katiaaveirooficial
      Cristiano’s Juventus teammate Daniele Rugani, who the 35-year-old shared a dressing room with when his team beat Inter Milan 2-0 behind closed doors, was the first to test positive for coronavirus.
      The Serie A side confirmed it subsequently “activated all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him”.
      But it was then revealed on March 17 that another team-mate – Blaise Matuidi – had also tested positive for coronavirus.
      That forced Juve to confirm that the former Real Madrid striker had stayed put and not returned to Italy, adding: “Cristiano Ronaldo has not trained and remains in Madeira awaiting developments with the current health crisis.”

      Cristiano was thought to be staying on the top two floors of the seven-storey house he purchased recently in Funchal.
      His mum Dolores Aveiro, who was in hospital after a stroke as the pandemic began, and brother Hugo reportedly lived on the lower floors.

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      Ronaldo with his young familyCredit: Instagram @Cristiano

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      Girlfriend Georgina posted the snaps of the villa to her millions of followersCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina posted a stunning picture of the rooftop pool after jetting to Madeira, showing Ronaldo’s eldest son Cristiano Jr looking out to sea.
      And she later posted a new photo showing the couple’s daughter Alana relaxing on a sofa by a window offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

      She wrote alongside the photo: “After mummy told her off, she punished me with her little face of an angry doll.”
      Ronaldo was seen out and about since arriving in Madeira – before his team-mate tested positive for coronavirus.

      The winger then enjoyed a trip to the Madeira Botanical Garden in the capital Funchal with his family.
      He also visited his mum in hospital, although he is said to have worn protective clothes including gloves and a face mask when allowed into her room at Dr Nelio Mendonca Hospital.
      His sister Katia, who travelled back from Brazil to be by her mum’s side after she suffered a stroke, also posted a picture of her with Cristiano and their siblings Elma and Hugo.
      She did not identify the place where the picture was taken.

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      Ronaldo flew back to Madeira to visit his mother after she suffered a strokeCredit: Reuters

      Watch as Cristiano Ronaldo air-fives no one amid coronavirus fears ahead of Serie A clash vs Inter Milan More

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      Ligue 1 2020-21 season in turmoil as opening game between Marseille and St Etienne is AXED due to coronavirus

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      MARSEILLE’s Ligue 1 clash against Saint-Etienne in the opening game of the season has been postponed as a result of coronavirus.
      The two teams were set to meet at Stade Velodrome on Friday, but their match will now take place on either September 16 or 17.

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      Friday’s Ligue 1 tie between Marseille and Saint-Etienne has been postponedCredit: AFP or licensors
      Three members of Marseille’s backroom staff have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the game against St Etienne.
      It brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus at Marseille to four after left-back Jordan Amavi tested positive last week.
      As a precaution last week, Marseille cancelled their pre-season friendly against German outfit Stuttgart.
      But after three new cases at the club, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) have swiftly axed Friday’s affair.

      A statement said: “In view of medical results passed on by Olympique Marseille… the LFP has decided to postpone the Olympique de Marseille/AS Saint-Etienne game to Sept 16 or Sept 17.”
      Since testing started in France, almost 40 players have been confirmed to have contracted coronavirus from 11 top-flight clubs.

      Marseille’s meeting with St Etienne was the only fixture set for Friday, with two games to take place on Saturday, and five ties planned for Sunday.
      PSG and Lyon will not be involved this weekend due to their involvement in the Champions League semi-finals.

      As a result, Metz and Montpellier will play no part in Ligue 1 matches this weekend.

      West Ham postpone Sunday’s pre-season friendly vs Ipswich after positive coronavirus test among backroom staff More

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      Celtic star Bolingoli and Aberdeen eight face disciplinary action from both SFA and SPFL over Covid-19 rule breaches

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      THE SFA and SPFL have both launched disciplinary cases against the eight Aberdeen players who were flouted coronavirus AND Celtic quarantine-breaker Boli Bolingoli. After discussions with Government, the Joint Response Group said it was firming up its procedures against players who stepped out of line. Bolingoli has almost certainly played his last match as a […] More

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      Football fans will be able to return to stadiums next month as lockdown restrictions are loosened further

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      FOOTBALL fans will finally begin returning to stadiums next month — but may not be allowed to sing. A further easing of lockdown rules will also see snooker lovers back in the Crucible this weekend for the World Championship. Rugby matches and racing at Goodwood are also on the list of approved “pilot” events in […] More

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      Football fans will be able to return to stadiums next month as lockdown measures are further eased

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      FOOTBALL fans will finally begin returning to stadiums next month — but might not be allowed to sing.
      A further easing of lockdown rules announced tonight will also see snooker lovers back in the Crucible this weekend for the World Championship.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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      Supporters will finally begin returning to football stadiums next monthCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Footballs fans will soon be able to see stars like Harry Kane play as football stadiums reopenCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Fans will likely be urged not to chant or shout for fear of spreading the virusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rugby matches and racing at Goodwood are also on the list of approved “pilot” events in the coming weeks.
      But capacity will be capped and all fans will likely be urged not to chant or shout for fear of spreading the virus.
      The new Premier League season starts on September 12.

      Trials of allowing some fans back in stadiums will be tested later that month ahead of a planned full rollout in October.
      Spectators will be made to sign up to a new code of behaviour.
      It will make them take full responsibility for themselves and others by not attending if they have Covid symptoms or have been exposed to anyone with them.
      STRICT CROWD MANAGEMENT
      And strict crowd management plans will be enforced with one-way entry and exit and staggered arrival times.

      Seating will be socially distanced and hand washing and sanitiser stations set up.
      But no trials are scheduled for the North West, which remains under stricter control.
      Tonight Boris Johnson said: “At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional.
      “Today we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.

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      Snooker lovers will be back in the Crucible this weekend for the World ChampionshipCredit: Rex Features

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      Racing at Goodwood is on the list of approved ‘pilot’ events in the coming weeksCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Rugby matches are also among those to be trialledCredit: Alamy

      The Sun Says

      GET in there!

      The return of football since mid-June has been an absolute joy, with no shortage of excitement on the pitch, but something has definitely been missing.
      That something is the crowd.
      Supporters are the lifeblood of the game so it’s great news that stadiums could see a return of fans for the new season, albeit at a quarter of capacity.
      It’s just a shame they might not be allowed to sing, whether they’re winning or not.

      “However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus.”
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “The nation’s hard work to keep the virus under control means we can now make further careful progress.
      “We must all continue to Stay Alert but today’s welcome news means these organisations can finally get going safely, and we can enjoy more of the things we love as a nation.”

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      Boris Johnson warned that the Government ‘will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required’Credit: EPA

      West Ham postpone Sunday’s pre-season friendly vs Ipswich after positive coronavirus test among backroom staff
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Prem clubs in £170m boost after clubs delay paying off Covid-19 TV rebate

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are to share an extra £170m for this season – after clubs delayed paying off the Covid-19 TV rebate.
      Domestic and overseas broadcasters forced Prem clubs to agree to a repayment of around £330m for the three-month shutdown.

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      Arsenal and their fellow Prem clubs will get two season to repay TV moneyCredit: PA:Press Association
      This was despite the League resuming in June and being completed last month.
      It was initially anticipated that £170m would have to be paid from this season’s planned income, a significant blow to clubs who face starting next term behind closed doors.
      While the money is still due to be paid, the 20 clubs voted not to claw back any cash for this term.
      Instead, repayments will now be paid over the next two seasons in a boost to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

      That will save champions Liverpool an estimated £21m for their cash-hit 2019-20 accounts, meaning Jurgen Klopp’s side will bank around £174m for the campaign.
      The relegated trio of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, will also benefit to the tune of around £12m each.
      But with the repayments due from next term, it means the three promoted clubs – Leeds, West Brom and Fulham – will bear a proportion of the pain.

      This was the first year of the new split of overseas deals, which saw merit payments based on performance for the first time.

      Previously that pot had been split equally between the 20 clubs.
      In a change from previous years, Prem chiefs have yet to confirm the precise 2019-20 pay-outs as they continue discussions with broadcasters. More